For Soma Mandal, it all started with the loss of taste and smell. But early detection and patience helped her fight the virus and recovery faster. Here is her COVID story...
My story began when the second wave of COVID-19 was not so ferocious as of now in West Bengal.
It was lunchtime on April 4, 2021. While having my meal, I could not get the flavour of the food; it was not insipid, but something was missing.
Our maid who also stays with us said that the food is bland for her also. Later on, she complained about having body ache and very low-grade temperature.
The next day I discovered that gradually I was losing my olfactory senses. Last year after the lockdown, from June onwards, I have been attending my office with all precautionary measures. Never forgot my mask and hand sanitiser. Infact, the intensity was so much that whenever I didn't put on the mask, I felt like I was missing one of my body parts. So, I thought I couldn’t be prey to COVID-19. But my sixth sense told me to get RT-PCR testing at the earliest for the sake of people surrounding me. It was on April 6, I tested positive. Alas! this positive was so negative.
Before the report came, I already isolated myself. Just after receiving the report, while Swarup, my husband was busy taking care of our little one, I was consulting with telemedicine doctors from West Bengal Health and Family Welfare. That was the first night I slept without our baby since he was born two and a half years back. I used to wake up at the wee hours of the night and hear my baby crying for his mother and my husband struggling to calm him down.
The next day, my husband and our maid got tested. My husband's reports were negative but unfortunately, my maid also tested positive. So, my husband along with our son shifted to my father’s apartment adjacent to ours. Then the actual struggle began inside the closed doors of the two apartments. While I was struggling to defeat the virus, my husband was struggling with feeding, bathing, consoling, entertaining our baby.
My days started and ended with hand washing, steam inhaling, gurgling, tracking Oxygen level. I tried to cook nutritious and protein-rich food in the form of chicken soup, lentils, and vitamin-C rich fruits which all tasted like paper. I spent 5 days and nights without being able to taste and smell anything. During this time, I was regularly inhaling Eucalyptus oil for smell training. Within 5 to 6 days I started regaining my olfactory senses. I was physically fit and fine by then. Before that, I was suffering from body ache, muscle pain, dry mouth, dry cough.
A tiny virus took a toll on our happy life but in the end, victory was ours and we learned some life lessons: Lesson of patience and perseverance, empathy and of course LOVE. I also comprehended that early detection of COVID-19 and care can save one from further complications. Lots of water, fruits, lentils and protein-rich food should be included in the diet.
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DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of healthcare and infectious diseases, my understanding of the nuances surrounding COVID-19 goes beyond mere awareness; it's rooted in practical experience and a profound grasp of medical intricacies. My expertise is not just theoretical but stems from an engagement with real-world scenarios, research findings, and a continuous commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, delving into the provided article, Soma Mandal's narrative unfolds as a poignant firsthand account of navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19. The onset of her ordeal is marked by the loss of taste and smell, symptoms that have become characteristic of the virus. This sensory impairment, often termed anosmia, has been recognized as a common early indicator of COVID-19.
Soma Mandal's conscientious approach to her health, marked by the diligent use of preventive measures such as masks and hand sanitizers, underscores the unpredictability of the virus. Despite her cautious lifestyle, she succumbed to the infection, emphasizing the insidious nature of the disease and the importance of vigilance even in seemingly low-risk situations.
The mention of RT-PCR testing as a diagnostic tool aligns with established protocols for COVID-19 detection. Soma's decision to get tested promptly, guided by her intuition, reveals the significance of early identification in preventing the spread of the virus.
The subsequent isolation and consultation with telemedicine doctors reflect the adaptability of healthcare services during the pandemic. This adaptability, coupled with personal responsibility, forms a crucial aspect of the battle against COVID-19.
The impact of the virus on family dynamics is palpable in Soma's account. The separation from her husband and child, the emotional toll of hearing her baby cry, and the challenges faced by her husband in managing childcare amidst potential exposure showcase the multifaceted challenges posed by the virus beyond physical health.
Soma Mandal's commitment to smell training using Eucalyptus oil during her recovery period aligns with emerging practices aimed at restoring olfactory function in COVID-19 survivors. This approach speaks to the resilience and proactive mindset required for a comprehensive recovery.
The conclusion of the article emphasizes the broader lessons learned from the experience—lessons of patience, perseverance, empathy, and love. Soma's emphasis on the importance of early detection and care resonates with public health messages advocating for prompt action upon recognizing COVID-19 symptoms.
In essence, Soma Mandal's COVID story encapsulates not only the individual struggle with the virus but also the collective lessons learned and shared for the benefit of others. It serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the virus and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
